INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
225 Main Road, Blackwood
EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY
Nairne, Adelaide Hills
My job is to sit with you, no matter how complicated or uncomfortable, and listen. Deeply listen.
To build a sense of safety and support so you can be open with your thoughts and feelings.
To help you with strategies and tools that work for you.
To guide your experience and learning - taking one step forward, sometimes one step backward - but slowly growing, feeling stronger and more resilient.
Kylie Fergusen
Janteloven Founder and Therapist
AREN'T HORSES THE GREATEST?
They don't judge. They listen.
Their loyalty and kindness help us to feel less anxious and comforted. Somehow, those nerves we feel when communicating with others just seem to fade when there is a miniature shetland pony you can cuddle as well! This field of therapy has gained increased recognition in recent years for the positive impact it has in supporting people living with a range of intellectual, physical and emotional challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, school and home difficulties, emotional regulation difficulties and PTSD. Horses help us to understand ourselves better. By understanding horses' emotions and behaviours, we learn more about our own. They can be like a bridge - helping us to improve our own interactions with others around us and regulating and managing our own emotions.
Spending time with Alvin (our miniature Shetland), Finn (our part Clysdale), Damika (our Chihuahua) or Em (our pinto mare, mother of four foals!) is much more than just having a few cuddles though! It involves specific therapeutic goals, strategies and outcomes that align to a participant’s own goals.
Generally, we find our sessions focus on goals around:
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confidence
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emotional regulation
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trust
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building self esteem
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stress/anxiety reduction
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socialisation
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thoughts and self talk
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facing life's challenges and
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communication skills.
Our Assisted Animal Therapy sessions usually takes place in the stable, and in or nearby the paddock. The participant is supported to be physically and emotionally present, this allows for attunement and mirroring to occur between horse and human. Kylie will work with participants phenomenologically which means she creates a safe and calm place to remain in the here and now, allowing experiences to unfold organically. She often combines more traditional counselling practices including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Narrative Practice with somatic exercises, walking and talking and grounding exercises such as feeling the horse's heartbeat or breath on your skin, braiding a pony's mane or brushing.
IS COUNSELLING FOR YOU?
You may be experiencing grief, trauma, anxiety or depression, self-image or identity challenges. You may be going through life changes like parenting, divorce, ill health, work stress, loss of partner or being away from your family. You might be a young adult exploring life’s milestones.
Counselling assists in all of these circumstances. During the one hour counselling session you will be treated with empathy, honesty and respect. Sessions are not a “talk fest” but are opportunities to be supported, focus your thoughts and feelings, receive professional insight into your circumstances, and learn practical skills and techniques.
The first session is our opportunity to hear more about your challenges and story, and support you to identify your goals. We will discuss with you the kind of therapy approach most suited to your circumstances. We will always be your ally and supporter.
FEES
130/Hr
Concession Available
We support NDIS